Full Job Description
The Business Retention and Small Business Program Manager of Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) develops, coordinates, and implements business retention and expansion initiatives for existing businesses and small business development and support, with emphasis on retail and Main Street businesses. The position is a member of the Business Investment team, maintains a database of existing businesses, carries out proactive outreach, and serves as a liaison to the local business community. Business attraction is carried out by other members of the Business Investment team.
The incumbent serves as content lead for small business education and support programs and works with partner organizations to develop or co-deliver programs that advance shared economic development goals.
This position reports to the Senior Assistant Director of Economic Development, with support to individual portfolio leads. This job/class does not supervise employees and works under general direction, exercising initiative within established programs and policies.
Examples Of Duties
Maintains and regularly updates a database of existing businesses, including retail, small business, and Main Street establishments, by assigned industry and size category.
Develops and carries out a structured outreach strategy, including site visits and business check-ins, to identify the needs, opportunities, and challenges facing local businesses and to support their retention and expansion.
Analyzes real estate data from CoStar on lease renewals, closures, and local commercial property trends to anticipate retention needs, and connects businesses with City, regional, and partner resources.
Documents all business interactions and data in the FCED customer relationship management system BluDot.
Builds and strengthens relationships with business owners, managers, and local business associations.
Develops, coordinates, and delivers small business education classes, workshops, training series, and technical assistance programs, whether led by FCED or under an approved partnership agreement.
Supports the creation, delivery, and evaluation of programs and events for local retail and Main Street businesses, including initiatives that drive consumer traffic and sales.
Builds and maintains partnerships with business associations, nonprofit organizations, local schools, and regional economic development partners.
Works with partner organizations to co-develop or support programs, events, and education opportunities aligned with the FCED strategic work plan.
Prepares reports on program outcomes, measurements, and impacts for FCED leadership, the City's Senior Leadership Team, and City Council, and presents findings as needed.
The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business, economics, public administration, marketing, or a related field preferred.
Requires three years of professional experience in economic development, business development, local government, or closely related work; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Requires experience managing programs or events from concept to logistics.
Experience owning or operating a business or running a business retention or small business support program, preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, WordPress, CRM management, and Adobe.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of government operations, private sector business development support, and economic development efforts.
Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to pay close attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively within a small but growing team.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for diverse business and community audiences.
Additional Desirable Qualification:
Additional IEDC coursework or comparable professional development.
Special Certifications and Licenses:
IEDC Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) desired.
A state issued driver's license is preferred but not required; employees will be given access to an agency vehicle for site visits and out-of-city meetings.
